Fall is here, and it’s time for pumpkin cookies! These soft, chewy treats are perfect for the season. Our recipe has 128 five-star reviews and is easy to make. It will make your home smell like autumn.
Our pumpkin cookies have simple ingredients like flour and baking soda. They also have warm spices. The main ingredient is 7½ ounces of pumpkin puree for that fall taste. Brown butter and cinnamon sugar make them extra special.
These cookies are not only tasty but also practical. They stay chewy for up to a week and get better with time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. They’re great for fall treats or holiday cookie swaps!
Key Takeaways
- Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies with 128 five-star reviews
- Uses 7½ ounces of pumpkin puree for authentic fall flavor
- Brown butter and cinnamon sugar coating enhance taste and texture
- Cookies stay fresh for up to a week, improving with time
- Easy to make and perfect for seasonal baking
Why These Pumpkin Cookies Are Perfect for Fall
Fall baking season is all about warm, comforting flavors. These pumpkin cookies have just that. They mix pumpkin spice with holiday cheer, making them perfect for Thanksgiving.
Chewy Texture vs Traditional Cakey Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies are chewy, unlike traditional ones. They have 2 1/8 cups of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree. This mix makes them crisp on the edges and chewy inside.
Perfect for Holiday Cookie Swaps
These cookies are great for holiday swaps. They make 30 cookies and are easy to make. Their festive taste makes them stand out.
Make-Ahead and Storage Benefits
These cookies are great for making ahead and storing. They stay soft for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for later, perfect for guests or cravings.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 299 | – |
| Fat | 13.8 g | 21.2% |
| Carbs | 42.0 g | 14.0% |
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5.4% |
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Making yummy pumpkin cookies starts with the right stuff. Our recipe makes 36 treats, great for fall. Let’s look at what makes these cookies so good.
The main ingredient is 1 cup of pumpkin puree. It adds flavor and keeps the cookies moist. You’ll also need 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of butter, and 1 cup of sugar. These are the basics of your dough.
To make the pumpkin taste even better, we add special spices. You’ll need 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. A little salt (1/2 teaspoon) helps balance the sweetness. An egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract make the cookies richer.
- 1 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon each: baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Using a kitchen scale for measurements is a good idea. It helps you bake the same way every time, especially with pumpkin puree. You can use canned or fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe.
“The secret to perfect pumpkin cookies lies in balancing moisture. Pat down your pumpkin puree to remove excess liquid for chewier cookies.”
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a batch of soft, spiced pumpkin cookies. They’ll be the star of your fall baking.
The Secret of Brown Butter in Pumpkin Cookies
Brown butter makes pumpkin cookies amazing. It adds a rich, nutty taste. This simple trick makes fall treats even better.
How to Brown Butter Properly
Browning butter needs careful attention. Melt unsalted butter in a light pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams and sizzles.
Look for golden specks at the bottom. When it smells nutty and looks amber, stop. Remove it from heat right away to avoid burning.
Why Brown Butter Makes a Difference
Brown butter brings a toasty flavor to pumpkin cookies. It matches the warm spices of fall treats. It also makes the cookies chewy.
Temperature Considerations
Let the brown butter cool to room temperature before mixing it. This keeps the dough right. If it’s too hot, it can make the cookies flat.
| Brown Butter Benefits | Impact on Pumpkin Cookies |
|---|---|
| Enhanced flavor | Richer taste profile |
| Moisture reduction | Chewier texture |
| Nutty aroma | Complements fall spices |
Adding brown butter to your pumpkin cookie recipe makes them better. This simple trick turns your treats into something everyone will love.
Making Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
Create your own pumpkin spice mix for the ultimate seasonal flavors. This homemade blend is perfect for pumpkin cookies and other fall treats. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a versatile spice mix ready in minutes.
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix well to create about 3 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice. Store your blend in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to a year, ready to add fall flair to your baking.
This custom blend lets you control the intensity of each spice. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Use it in place of store-bought mixes in recipes calling for pumpkin pie spice. Your homemade blend will elevate cookies, pies, and even savory dishes with its rich, warm flavors.
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | 3 tsp |
| Ginger | 2 tsp |
| Allspice | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Cloves | 1 tsp |
Experiment with your blend in our pumpkin cookie recipe. The homemade mix will enhance the warm, cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Happy baking!
Tips for Working with Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is a key ingredient in easy baking recipes for fall treats. Whether you’re using canned or fresh pumpkin, knowing how to handle this versatile ingredient can make a big difference in your baking results.
Canned vs Fresh Pumpkin
For consistency and ease, canned pumpkin puree is often the go-to choice. It’s readily available and provides a uniform texture. Fresh pumpkin can be used but may require extra preparation to achieve the right consistency.
Moisture Control Techniques
Controlling moisture is crucial when working with pumpkin puree. Excess moisture can affect the texture of your baked goods. Try blotting the puree with paper towels to remove extra liquid. This simple step can enhance flavor without compromising texture.
Measuring and Storage Tips
Accurate measuring is key for successful pumpkin recipes. Use a 1/3 cup measure for pumpkin puree, then reduce it to 1/4 cup by blotting. If you’re short on time, using 1/4 cup without blotting works too. Store unused puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
| Pumpkin Puree Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Canned | Consistent texture, convenient | May contain additives |
| Fresh | Pure flavor, no additives | Requires preparation, variable moisture |
By following these tips, you’ll master working with pumpkin puree and create delicious fall treats with ease.
Step-by-Step Cookie Dough Preparation
Making the perfect pumpkin cookie dough is key to yummy fall treats. This recipe mixes brown butter, pumpkin, and spices. Let’s get into making this amazing dough.
First, mix cooled brown butter with brown sugar in a big bowl. This mix gives a deep, caramel flavor. Then, add an egg yolk, honey, and vanilla to make it richer. Pumpkin puree is added last, giving it an autumn taste.
Next, mix dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in another bowl. Slowly add this mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and makes the cookies better. While waiting, preheat your oven and get your baking sheets ready.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Butter | 1/2 cup | Adds nutty flavor |
| Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetness and moisture |
| Egg Yolk | 1 | Binds ingredients |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | Natural sweetener |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Pumpkin Puree | 1/3 cup | Main flavor component |
| Flour | 1 1/2 cups | Structure and texture |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 tsp | Leavening agent |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Flavor enhancer |
| Pumpkin Pie Spice | 1 1/2 tsp | Aromatic spice blend |
The Perfect Rolling and Coating Technique
Start making the best fall treats by learning to roll and coat your pumpkin cookies. This step turns your dough into tasty holiday cookies. They will wow everyone at any party.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating Method
Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This sweet and spicy mix boosts the pumpkin taste. It also adds a nice crunch to your cookies. Roll each dough ball in this mix for a classic look.
Shaping for Ideal Spread
Use a 1.5-oz cookie scoop for your dough. This makes about 13 cookies, each 1.5 inches wide. Place them 3 inches apart on the baking sheet for spreading room. Flatten each ball a bit with your palm for the right thickness.
Pro tip: For thinner cookies, add 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This helps them spread more and become chewier. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping. This improves the texture and taste of your fall treats.
| Cookie Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Ideal Cookie Size | 1.5 inch diameter |
| Spacing on Baking Sheet | 3 inches apart |
| Cinnamon Sugar Mix | 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon |
| Dough Chilling Time | 30 minutes |
Baking Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Learning to bake pumpkin cookies is fun for anyone who loves easy baking. The secret to great cookies is knowing the right temperature and timing. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your cookies bake evenly, with crispy edges and soft centers.
When your oven is ready, it’s time to bake. Put your cookie sheets in and set the timer for 9 minutes. Watch them closely. You want cookies that are lightly browned on the edges and a bit puffed in the middle. Your oven might need a bit more time, up to 12 minutes.
After baking, wait a bit before touching the cookies. Let them cool on the sheet for 2 minutes. This helps them set, so they’re easier to handle. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool all the way. This step is key for that chewy texture that makes these cookies special.
| Baking Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preheating Oven | 350°F (175°C) | 10-15 minutes |
| Baking Cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 9-12 minutes |
| Resting on Sheet | Room Temperature | 2 minutes |
| Cooling on Rack | Room Temperature | 15-20 minutes |
Creative Variations and Add-ins
Make your fall treats special with these creative ideas. Our pumpkin cookies are great for trying new flavors. Let’s look at some exciting add-ins that will make your cookies amazing.
White Chocolate Addition
Try adding 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The creamy sweetness goes well with the pumpkin spice. This makes your cookies rich and delicious.
Pecan Enhancement
Adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans gives a nice crunch. The nutty flavor is great with pumpkin. It makes your cookies better and captures the autumn spirit.
Maple Flavor Option
Use maple extract instead of vanilla for a unique taste. This adds a warm, rich flavor that’s perfect for fall. It pairs well with pumpkin, making your cookies extra special.
Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a caramel taste. This change makes your cookies even better. It adds depth and complements the pumpkin spice.
| Add-in | Amount | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate Chips | 3/4 cup | Sweet, creamy |
| Chopped Pecans | 1/2 cup | Nutty, crunchy |
| Maple Extract | To taste | Rich, warm |
| Coconut Sugar | Substitute for granulated sugar | Caramel-like |
These ideas let you make your pumpkin cookies your own. Try different mixes to find your favorite fall treat. Remember, baking is all about creativity, so adjust to your liking.
Storage and Freezing Methods
Learning how to store your holiday cookies is important. They can stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. Just keep them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go.
Freezing your pumpkin cookies for up to 3 months keeps them tasty and fresh. Here’s a quick guide to freezing:
- Baked cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in a resealable bag
- Cookie dough: Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag
- For best results: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before freezing
When you want to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature. If you froze the dough, bake it straight from frozen. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-4 days | Use airtight container |
| Freezer (Baked) | 2-3 months | Wrap individually |
| Freezer (Dough) | 3 months | Shape before freezing |
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade pumpkin cookies anytime. They’re perfect for busy bakers who love having holiday treats ready to go!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your fall treats special with these pumpkin cookies. They’re great on their own or as part of your Thanksgiving desserts. Here are some fun ways to serve and pair them.
Beverage Pairings
These cookies go well with a warm drink on a cool day. Try them with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea. For a grown-up option, pair them with espresso martinis or pumpkin spice white Russians.
The flavors of these drinks match the cookies’ warm spices perfectly.
Dessert Combinations
Turn these cookies into amazing desserts. Make cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting in the middle. Add ground ginger and orange zest for extra flavor.
Another great idea is to make ice cream sandwiches. Roll the edges in pumpkin spice chips for extra taste and crunch. These ideas will wow everyone at your fall or holiday party.
